Key News #1 2024

Governor’s Farewell

Paige Hein

Hello Indiana District!

This past year has been full of hard work, amazing memories, and inspiring service leadership. I have enjoyed dedicating myself to the betterment of the Indiana District of Key Club, and I couldn’t have done it without you! I am very grateful for everything you have done to contribute to the district this past year, no matter how big or how small; you matter I would like to provide an overview of what the Indiana District Board accomplished while you all were serving your homes, schools, and communities.

At the start of the year, I established the following seven goals:

Bring back Key Clubber’s Got Talent to raise thousands of dollars for Riley Children’s Hospital.

Update the district website with a district calendar, store, and easy access to materials for clubs, as well as district event and board information.

Create a new committee entirely devoted to District Initiatives, as well as manage thriving Member Development, Events and Planning, Kfam and Connections, and Service committees Build a stronger social media presence for the Indiana District, including utilizing the YouTube, TikTok, and the governor and district mascot

Instagram

Increase Indiana District representation on the International level.

Increase membership retention and DLC attendance throughout the district, as well as reactivate inactive clubs

Host a joint event with a Kiwanis Family branch

The Indiana District Board has worked diligently to achieve these goals over the past year. Here is an update on each goal:

Instead of Key Clubber’s Got Talent, my Governor’s Project was a sustainable service challenge and fundraiser for Earth Charter Indiana The Service Project Directory and the Governor Instagram page provided sustainable service ideas for clubs and we raised $2,000 that’ll go towards educating and empowering youth about climate change.

The district website was thoroughly updated and now has a calendar, bylaws and policies, new Key News and board meeting minutes available, international event info, virtual volunteering ideas, member recognition program, chartering and scholarship information, and more!

The new District Initiatives Committee launched a pen pal program for members across the state to connect, merch store at DLC, Key Leader and DLC scholarships, and provided the vacant divisions with resources; the other four committees thrived as well with the help of our general members serving alongside Lieutenant Governors!

We created a new District YouTube and brought back the LTG Table Talk Video series, created some amazing TikToks, curated an Indiana Key Club brand on Instagram with daily color-coordinated and I grew the Governor’s Instagram by 154 followers

Governor’s Farewell Continued

We doubled our International Convention attendance and have a member serving on an International Taskforce

We grew our club membership, Fall Rally and DLC attendance, and charted a new Key Club

We hosted a first-ever Key Club Virtual Senior Night with Circle K in the spring, a virtual attendance option for the Kiwanis District Convention, and a Kiwanis Family Virtual Meeting Event with four branches of the K-Fam

I cannot thank our amazing 2023-2024 District Board enough This board worked tirelessly and collaborated so well throughout the year Shout-out to the Exective Board of Kendall Lemon, Ella Freimuth, and Samantha Bunag, the 20 Lieutenant Governors, and the Adult Administrators Heidi Polizotto, Colin Prince, Jeff Blasdel, Kim Peters, Eric Kelley, Liz Len, and Kyle Stowers! I would also like to thank my home Key Club and Washington Township High School, including my advisor Mrs Rea, Kiwanis Advisor Mrs Warren, and Kiwanis President Joann tomasic All of you have been incredible role models and have genuinely demonstrated your commitment to unlocking youth leadership potential.

I would also like to thank everyone who attended a district or division event or ran for a leadership position for this new service year. I appreciate you going outside your comfort zone I know it’s cliché, but you truly never know how amazing an opportunity can be if you do not try I encourage you to take a leap of faith. These past two years on the Indiana District Board have completely changed my life for the better. I have the most amazing memories, friendships, and life lessons learned. I thank all members of the Indiana District for giving me this opportunity to develop my service leadership skills and dedicate my time to helping others thrive I know I made mistakes, but without them I wouldn’t have learned as much as I did this past year. My term was far from easy, but it was extremely rewarding. My best piece of advice for you is to just go for it. Raise your voice and make positive change happen. Although we may be young, we have the power to create the world we want to live in. Truly embody caring as your way of life

Yours in love, friendship, and service, Paige Hein

IP Indiana District Governor

Governor’s Greeting

Jason Bunag

Hello, Indiana District Key Clubbers! My name is Jason Bunag and am your 2024-2025 Indiana District Governor! I am 17 years old and am a junior at Washington Township High School in the Duneland Division. I have been a part of the Kiwanis family for many years, as I was in Builder’s Club all my 3 years in middle school, and have been in Key Club ever since I was a Freshman. From being a Key Club member my Freshman year and attending my first District Leadership convention in 2022, my eyes were opened to the vast doors of opportunities Key Club offers. With my new motivation and drive, I became my home club’s Bulletin Editor and served as the Sagamore Division Lieutenant Governor for the 2022-2023 Key Club service year. Then the following year I served as my home club’s Vice President, Duneland Division Lieutenant Governor, and Events & Planning Committee Chair for the 2023-2024 Key Club service year.

A few weeks ago I attended the 2024 District

Leadership Convention, which was my 3rd time attending the Indiana District’s Annual District Leadership Convention, as well as the event where I ran for the position of District Governor. I believe that it is safe to say that DLC 2024 was a success with the countless smiles across the faces of the attendees I remember seeing! If you attended this past District Leadership Convention, I ask that you truly take the new information and experiences, share it with your own club and community, and encourage others to go to the convention next year! As this year ’ s District Governor, I hope to grow the Indiana District more and encourage more opportunities of service, encourage member recruitment and member retention, as well as hopefully increase attendance at District Events! I am truly honored to lead this year ’ s Indiana District Board. I know that will accomplish great things!

Yours in service and friendship, Jason Bunag

2024-2025 Indiana District Governor Email: ingovernor.kci@gmail.com Instagram: @ingovernor.kci

DistrictAdministrator’s Farewell Heidi Polizotto

It has been my pleasure to serve as the District Administrator of the Indiana District of Key Club International these last three years. I came onto the adult committee when Colin was a wee Key Club Gov and never seemed to leave. I've had the support of so many amazing Kiwanians: Colin Prince, Jeff Blasdell, Kim Peters, and Taka Ogata. And special thanks to my intern Meghan Horn! Without all of them, my job would have been impossible. As tough as the job has been, the student leaders have made it all worthwhile. I cannot say enough about the INDB and the skills they have learned. I am POSITIVE that they will go far in life and I am so happy to have been a part of their journey.

dministrator’s

Michael Iafrato

Hey Key Clubbers... I'm excited to be your new District Administrator. Although you don't get to see much of me know I'm here supporting your district board and your advisors and I'm here for each and every one of you if you should need me. Let me share a bit about myself. I hail from Staten Island, New York. At 18, I moved to Florida to attend college at Saint Leo University. I then worked for the Walt Disney Company, where I began my 25-year career in hospitality management. Later, I returned to school at Arizona State University for theater and am proud to be an alumnus of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity. Currently, I am a life and productivity coach, consultant, speaker, and trainer, focusing on nonprofits and academics. I've been a member of the Kiwanis family for 30 years and served as the 2016-2017 Southwest District (Arizona, New Mexico, and El Paso, TX) Kiwanis Governor. I've also served on the Southwest District Key Club admin team. For 2024-2025, I am the Presumptive Kiwanis Lt. Governor of the Rose Division. Beyond my work with Kiwanis and my professional endeavors, I am the lead alumni advisor for the Delta Tau Delta fraternity at Purdue University, where I aim to transform young men into gentlemen.

MichaelIafrato(left)

As DLC marks the end of the 20232024 service year, the 2023-2024 Indiana District Board has retired. This past year was full of a lot of fun, hard work, countless hours spent serving our communities, and memories to last a lifetime. The 2023-2024 INDB has worked to serve you all and help create a successful service year from sending emails to all of our clubs to planning amazing district events. We even had a couple of LtGs win the Robert F. Lucas Award, for being outstanding LtGs. Congratulations to:

Andrew Julian (Calumet Division)

Jason Bunag (Duneland Division)

Tristen Slaven (Explorer Division)

Gabriella Alvarado (Farmland Divison)

Gloria Spencer (Heartland Division)

Yosan Tekle (Indy Metro Division)

Peyton Smith (Lincoln Division)

Mahlia Scantlen (Sycamore North Division).

This year was full of challenges, but this group of leaders persevered and created a very successful year. As they retire, we know that they are going to do great things in the future.

2024- 2025 INDBIntroduction

As the old board retires, we welcome our 2024-2025 District Board, comprised of 18 Lieutenant Governors and 4 Executive Board Members. This year ’ s board is eager to serve you all and to help create the best service year possible. This year ’ s board has a lot in store for you for this upcoming year! We have already been hard at work to serve you all and cannot wait to do even more. If you have any questions about the INDB, feel free to reach out to your respective lieutenant governor, and they will be happy to help! We have a lot planned for this year to make it the best one yet.

AprilBoard TrainerRecap

During the Weekend of April 13th through the 14th, the Indiana District Board attended April Board Trainer. This was the first board meeting of the 2024-2025 service year.

Training the Indiana District Board representatives on how to best serve you

all!

At this board meeting, the INDB was able to get to know each other and grow their leadership skills, which they will put into use to serve their community.

During this weekend, we appointed the 7 LtGs who applied after DLC, and our District Webmaster, Hailey Levarn. The Lieutenant Governors at this board meeting settled into their positions, learning their duties.

The LtGs also applied for committees this weekend, and chairs were selected. The chairs of the four committees will introduce themselves and their committees later in this edition of Key News.

This was a very successful board meeting, that has set this year ' s board up for success.

Executive Board Introductions Governor Jason Bunag

Hey Indiana District Key Clubbers!

My name is Jason Bunag and I am your 20242025 Indiana District Governor! I am 17 years old and am a junior at Washington Township High School in the Duneland Division. I have been a part of the Kiwanis family for many years, as I was in Builder’s Club all my 3 years in middle school, and have been in Key Club ever since I was a Freshman. I have served in multiple clubs and District Board positions, and believe my experience in those positions has shaped me into the leader I am today. Something that I can say that you don't hear every day, is that I am a triplet! I am the middle child who was born with 2 other sisters! Now while being the only boy with 2 sisters has its ups and downs, I wouldn't trade my built-in friends and support group for the world. My life outside of Key Club and school consists of spending time with my family, annoying my 2 sisters, as well as exercising, whether that be playing soccer or working out at the gym! As this year ’ s District Governor, I hope to grow the Indiana District more and encourage more opportunities of service, encourage member recruitment and member retention, as well as hopefully increase attendance at District Events! I can’t wait to grow my Key Club connections within Indiana! Please do not hesitate to reach out to me if you have any questions or concerns!

Executive Board Introductions

Secretary-Treasurer

Andrew Julian

Hi, Indiana District! My name is Andrew Julian and I will be serving as your 2024-2025 Indiana District

Secretary-Treasurer! I am a junior at Hobart High School, where I also like to involve myself in other

extracurricular activities such as HOSA and track & field. Outside of school, I like to hang out with my friends, eat Chipotle, and whatever else can occupy my time. This service year I will assist our district by making our district budget, creating district forms, encouraging/keeping track of dues-related topics, assisting our district board, etc. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to me!

Executive Board Introductions Bulletin Editor

Gage Gonzalez

Hi everyone, my name is Gage Gonzalez, and I am your Indiana District Bulletin Editor for the 20242025 service year! I am from Washington Township High School, where I have been involved in Key Club since my freshman year. Besides Key Club, I am in a couple of different clubs such as HOSA and National Honor Society. When I am not doing Key Club work, I am usually hanging out with my friends, drawing, playing with my pets, or listening to music. As your District Bulletin Editor I will be creating Key News Articles to help the district stay informed, create fun graphics, and support the district however I can! I am super excited to get to know you all and to have a great year! If you have any questions or need help with anything feel free to reach out! @inbulletineditor.kci@gmail.com

Executive Board Introductions Webmaster Hailey Levarn

Hello, Key Club members! My name is Hailey Levarn and I am your 20242025 Indiana District Key Club

Webmaster! I am a junior at Perry Meridian and have been a member in Key Club for two years, since my sophomore year. Last service year, I served as the 2023- 2024 Rose Division Lieutenant Governor and the Kiwanis Family And Connections Committee chair! I’m involved in many other clubs such as my school’s environmental club, DECCA business club, speech and debate, and serve as a leader of my school’s LGBTQIA+ club. Key Club has been my favorite part of my high school experience, so I am so honored to be able to serve as your district webmaster. This position piqued my interest because of my love for graphic design, creating infographics, and Key Club. I have many goals for this service year, such as posting at least five times a week on the district's Instagram, posting bi-monthly on YouTube and TikTok, creating new district club highlight forms, and more. When I’m not working on my Key Club duties, or studying for my classes, you can find me reading, hanging out with friends or lounging in bed!

Events & Planning

Chair:ShuZingZheng

Zheng, and I am the Events & Planning (E&P) Committee Chair for the 20242025 Key Club service year. I am currently a sophomore at Hobart High School, located in northwest Indiana, and my home club is the Hobart Key Club. Before E&P Committee Chair, I served as a club board member and officer, and I currently serve as the 2024-2025 Calumet Lieutenant Governor for three clubs: Highland Key Club, Hobart Key Club, and Wheeler Key Club. I am honored to serve as the Committee Chair this service year, and I can not wait to lead event planning for the Indiana District!

As for goals and initiatives, besides planning successful district events, I want to foster good communication and partnership among committee members and the other district committees. Similar to last year, it would be awesome for the E&P committee to collaborate with another district committee and have a joint district event. I will also prioritize

The E&P Committee has been doing great work to plan this year ' s events! We are having fun getting to know our committee members, and we have already begun formulating ideas, planning, and creating resources for Officer Training, Fall Rally, and the District Leadership Convention (DLC)!

Member Development Committee members:

Shu Jing Zheng (Chair)

Kayci Clapp

Linh Nguyen

Kaitie Shideler

CeCe Chenore

Love Swayze

Member Development

Tuttle, and I represent the Cardinal Division and the Northeast House. I am the president of Homestead Key club and have been on the board for a year and a half at my home club.

Our goals for the year for member development are to charter/reactivate as many clubs as possible in the Indiana District. We hope to provide resources to the LTGs to make the chartering/reactivation process as easy as possible. We also have hopes to increase club membership within already established clubs. We hope that through increased membership throughout the state, we can have more members attend district events such as Key Leader and DLC. We want to make sure that all members of key club feel included and stay motivated throughout the key club service year so we can continue to provide service to our home, school, and community. I look forward to getting to know my fellow committee members so we

getting to know one another and emphasizing the importance of asking for help when needed. We have been working to ensure that everyone knows the basics of their subcommittee so that we can start off the year in good standing. We have been working on establishing our goals and discussing the most efficient methods to reach those goals while bouncing ideas off of one another. We have plans to stay in contact with the Kfam committee so we can partner with Kiwanis clubs throughout the state in order to establish future clubs.

Member Development Committee members:

Xander Tuttle (Chair)

Penelope Jones

Addy Williams

Jordyn Gates

Brianna Walters

K-Fam C

Chair:SweetNight

currently a rising junior at Shortridge High School. Some fun facts about me are that I am also the president of my home Key Club which resurfaced a little over a year ago. My favorite movie of all time is Interstellar! I have a strong passion for science and plan to study planetary sciences in college. I adore making memories with the people I cherish and some of my favorite moments in life are spending time with those who bring me comfort!

Our goal as the K-Fam Committee this service year is to continue to be the bridge of communication between Key Club and other branches of Kiwanis International including promoting our preferred programs, partners, and charities. For us to accomplish this, I hope to be a reliable resource who can provide not only my committee members but also others involved with the best assistance that they need. Whether that's by being organized with our materials, speaking to them one-on-one, or attending local Kiwanis meetings, I look forward to growing and developing closer connections with everyone!

On Saturday, April 27, 2024, The Kiwanis Family and Connections Committee (K-Fam) had our first meeting of the 2024-2025 service year. In this meeting, we learned more about each other and discussed our directives for Quarter 1. Before June Work Day, we plan to encourage Lieutenant Governors to communicate with their Kiwanis counterpart, create informative June newsletter excerpts about our programs and partners, including the Global Leadership Certificate, and create an infographic promoting our preferred programs and partners for LtGs to share with their divisions.

K-Fam

Committee members: Sweet Night (Chair)

Victoria Ayon

Programs & Partners - James Castillo New Ventures - Sophia Malone

Service C itt

Chair:SelmaAkgul

currently a sophomore at Terre Haute South Vigo High School. I’m the Lieutenant Governor of my district, the Collegiate Division. I joined Key Club earlier this year and made unforgettable memories within my district. A fun fact about me is that I love baking. I try to come up with new recipes every month. My current favorite would be my cinnamon carrot cake. Our goal as the Service Committee, for the upcoming year, is to find Service projects that will benefit the needs of others while fitting in with Key Club’s norms. To achieve this goal it important to keep a close relationship with the people in my committee and to

brainstorm ideas as a whole. It’s always better to start small, so we are looking into how to start the Service project within our clubs. Currently, we are trying to come up with ideas to start the involvement of our committee, while encouraging Key Clubers to become members of Service Service Committee members: Selma Akgul (Chair) Finn Jones

Jaimelee Gael

DLC 2024 was held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Indianapolis during the weekend of March 1st through the 3rd. Key Clubbers from all over the Indiana District came together to celebrate the end of the 2023-2024 service year

This year ’ s DLC theme was Tales of Service. Key Clubbers from all over came dressed up in fairy tale costumes on Friday, ready to kick off the DLC weekend and start the new service year. The opening session on Friday included candidates giving their first speeches of the weekend. To end the night, Key Clubbers had the opportunity to play games and meet other members from all over Indiana.

The second day of DLC was jam-packed with activities for all attendees. Key Clubbers participated in service projects and workshops, listened to our keynote speaker, met other Key Clubbers, and had a great time. Additionally, we held a nomination conference for the positions of Indiana District Governor and International Trustee Endorsement, sending two candidates for each position to the House of Delegates, which was held later that night.

At the House of Delegates, candidates gave their final speeches, and the two delegates from each school, along with members of the INDB, voted for whom they wanted to represent them on the Indiana District Board After the House of Delegates, all attendees had the opportunity to dress up in homecoming attire and danced the night away at the Governor's Ball. The Governor’s Ball was super fun, and the 2023-2024 INDB performed a group dance to 'Dance the Night Away'!

On the third day of DLC closing session was held which was full of announcements. During the closing session awards were given to many people for their accomplishments throughout the 20232024 service year. The 2023-2024 INDB retired and the new 2024-2025 INDB was retired and pinned for their new position. At the closing session, the executive board candidates who won their election were announced. Jason Bunag as Indiana District Governor, Andrew Julian as District Secretary-Treasurer, and Gage Gonzalez and District Bulletin Editor Finally, the weekend ended with the final announcements and adjournments. Although the weekend ended with many tears, I highly recommend coming next to celebrate all the accomplishments to come this year.

DLCAwards

This year, we had so many applicants that we decided to give out a distinguished and outstanding award in most categories.

Outstanding President: Tristen Slaven, Highland High School

Distinguished President: Paul Swonger, Garrett High School

Outstanding Vice Pres: Brooke Munoz, Highland High School

Distinguished Vice Pres: Natalie Gill, Valparaiso High School

Outstanding Secretary: Emma Spaulding, Scottsburg High School

Distinguished Secretary: Gracie Krejci, Hobart High School

Outstanding Treasurer: Autumn Beville, Valparaiso High School

Distinguished Treas: Shu Jing Zheng, Hobart High School

Outstanding Webmaster: Andrew Julian, Hobart High School

Distinguished Webmaster: Mia Balash, Valparaiso High School

Outstanding Service Project: Highland High School's Toy Drive

Distinguished Service Project: Hobart High School's RRPF Fun Run

Outstanding Club: Perry Meridian High School

Distinguished Club: Valparaiso High School

Outstanding Faculty Advisor: Kimberly Crawford, Homestead High School

Distinguished Faculty Advisor: Jodi Olah, Highland High School

Outstanding Kiwanis Advisor: Greg Dickman, Garrett High School

Distinguished Kiwanis Advisor: Lisa Aumend, Highland High School

Outstanding Key Clubber of the Year: Gracie Krejci, Hobart High School

Distinguished Key Clubber of the Year: Tristen Slaven, Highland High School

Scrapbook Award: Perry Meridian High School

Coolest T-shirt: Terre Haute South Vigo High School

Digital Recruitment Poster: Rubi Rubalcaba, Highland High School

Oratorical Contest: Love Swayze, Perry Meridian High School

Club Resources

The Indiana District Board is here to support your clubs to ensure, our district has a successful year!

Each of your LtGs is a valuable resource that you can use throughout this year. If you are unsure of what division your club is a part of HERE is the district map, and HERE is the respective LtGs and their contact information. Each LtG will be happy to help, be sure to contact them throughout the year. We also have a Club Resource Google Drive linked HERE for all of you to utilize throughout the year. In this Google Drive, there are many useful tips on a variety of topics such as member retainment and how to hold a club meeting, make sure to check it out! The Indiana District Key Club Website is another resource at your disposal it has a lot of useful information. The website is linked HERE! The whole INDB is a resource for you to use so make sure to take advantage of everything we offer and do not hesitate to reach out!

Exec and Admin

ContactInformation

Execs

Governor Jason Bunag: ingovernor.kci@gmail.com

Secretary-Treasurer Andrew Julian: insecretarytreasurer.kci@gmail.com

Bulletin Editor Gage Gonzalez: inbulletineditor.kci@gmail.com

Webmaster Hailey Levarn: inwebmaster.kci@gmail.com Admin

District Administrator Micheal Iafrato: keyclubadministrator@indkiw.org

Assistant District Administrator Jeff BlasdeI: jeffblasdel@gmail.com

Conclusion

That wraps up the first edition of Key News 20242025, I hope you all enjoy reading it as much as I did making it. I know the year has just started and there is so much more to come, I am excited to see what we do this year. If you ever have any questions feel free to reach out!

Yours in Service and Friendship, Gage Gonzalez

@Inbulletineditor.kci@gmail.com

Instagram: @inkeyclub

Facebook: Indiana District of Key Club International

TikTok: @inkeyclub

Linktree: @indianakeyclub

Youtube: Indiana District of Key Club International